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What can I do now? My landlord changed the locks on my business.
Anonymous10 views5 answers
My landlord changed the locks on my business yesterday. Was I suppose to get any legal notice? I had owed him rent. He told me I had to pay him half of what I owe by the 15th and if I didn't, the locks would be changed on the 15th. The other half was due by the 1st or the locks would be changed on the 2nd. That notice was done thru a text message. I paid some but not all by the 15th. The locks were not changed. I had emailed him explaining why I was not able to pay the total half and asked if we can work something out. I waited and waited for a reply. Once he replied he asked to meet yesterday. When we met he said the locks were changed. I figured since the locks were not changed on the 15th I woild have until the first. I still paid everything yesterday. Now what do I do?
While there are many questions that need to be answered, and those questions can only be answered after reviewing the lease, typically the landlord cannot merely change the locks. There needs to be an action filed for eviction, and you would have an opportunity to be heard and there would be an orderly way of changing the locks. Under this scenario, the landlord could be responsible for damages to you for is illegal conversion of your equipment/personal belongings. You should immediately contact an experienced real estate attorney to assist you. Good luck!
Go sit down with a local landlord tenant attorney as soon as possible. He or she will tell you the steps to take because your situation is fact intensive and requires more than this site can offer. Call your local bar association or use this site's Find a Lawyer tool to find an attorney. Good luck.
Someone needs to look at the provisions of the lease, if you have one. Otherwise, I would talk to the landlord about tort interference with tenant's rights.
Unfortunately, the information contained within your question is insufficient to give you a direct answer to the question you have raised. The first step in a commercial landlord tenant dispute is to review the lease if you have one. Generally, the language in the lease governs your remedies as well as those of the landlord. You should contact a landlord/tenant attorney in your area and have a copy of your lease ready to show that attorney. If you did not sign a lease that is also important information for the attorney to have. Good luck!
